Letters to the Editor
sesanders
Published Letters: 308 Editor's Choice: 18
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Cyberspace harpies
[Read the article: Tucker Carlson unintentionally reveals the role of the American press]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I have noticed that online journalists in America have begun to distort many things when it suits their purpose. Recent examples: Hillary Clinton's tears on both occasions were portrayed as deliberate acts to gain sympathy rather than spur-of-the-moment reactions to comforting statements by well wishers--much ado about nothing. Also, the taking of Bill Clinton's remarks out of context about the South Carolina primary and deliberately distorting it to imply a racial motive planned out and executed for the sake of winning rather than giving the ex-president the benefit of the doubt that he might be a typical spouse protecting his family member. Jonathan Chait's inflammatory depiction of Hillary as a maniacal politician out to destroy the Democratic Party is another egregious case in point. Such instances show the low standards of American journalism. The media are becoming the harpies of cyberspace and have no right to look down their noses at anyone, much less the British reporter.
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An old but important subject
[Read the article: Ask Pablo]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]The subject of exploding world population was de rigueur in the 1960's and many efforts were made to limit reproduction in this country and others. Women began to talk about things other than motherhood...about equal pay, about breaking into the male dominated work place as well as freedom from stereotypical thinking about the female. Now, we have shows on the Health Channel celebrating huge families as well as having quintuplets, etc.
Anti-abortion groups have had great impact even though they are a minority and getting an abortion is not all that easy anymore. Politicians are backed into a corner. Women are once again being trained to think about themselves primarily as mothers rather than as human beings with many choices about their ultimate destiny. I am glad to see the subject of overpopulation tackled again. However, get ready for the knives...they will come out in full force.
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Negative media
[Read the article: More on Clinton camp infighting]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Just more negative media for Clinton. I guess it is time to start whipping up on her again. Her campaign must be doing something right, however...she won in Ohio, Texas and Rhode Island!
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The GOP is leaving its options open
[Read the article: Who would the GOP rather face?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I guess I missed it but I failed to see where Clinton implied that McCain would make a better commander in chief. She is simply stating the obvious...McCain's experience in that arena is well known. All she implies is that she is a better foil to McCain. Moreover, her contention is true.
Because Bill and Hillary have always sought each other's advice on political matters, it goes without saying that Clinton is more experienced in every area where the White House is concerned. Claims that she has no White House experience ring false.
I got the distinct impression from statements by the GOP that it is an open question as to whom they would rather face in November. The idea that they prefer Hillary is the implication of the author of this article rather than a stated belief of the Republicans.
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Snatching at the wind!
[Read the article: Obama camp targets Clinton experience claims]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I am convinced that Hillary has unique, first-hand experience with the White House. As she and Bill Clinton have always sought each other's advice, she has been privy to the background decision making involved in running the country. None but the partisan would deny Hillary's credentials and Obama's attempt to marginalize her learning experience in the White House is a desperate attempt to lick his wounds in connection with Ohio, Texas, and Rhode Island.
Hillary has won the big blue states, New York, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and the bellwether state of Ohio. Obviously, she holds the reigns in these important Democratic enclaves. Obama's greatest strength comes from red states which will in all likelihood vote for McCain. It is a poor argument to say that the blue states will always vote for the Democratic candidate. It did not happen for Dukakis and it may not for Obama, either. He is not nearly as popular with Democrats as his voters think and those independents voting for him can't be counted upon to vote Democratic in November. Yes, the blacks will vote for him without a doubt but the other votes are iffy and may even be cross-over Republicans.
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Loss of moral compass a danger for anyone
[Read the article: I don't believe in atheists]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Chris Hedges lights up the topic of New Atheists with compelling examples when he talks about the American versions. I did not understand exactly where Dawkins fits into the movement. It has been some time since Dawkins has written for Salon and all I remember about him is his impatience and contempt for religious thinking...I was not aware that he held a political agenda which might propel him or like-minded scientists to espouse eugenics or other "evil" endeavors. The word, evil, has been so bandied about by the Bush Administration, that it has become hypocritical.
Hedges aptly states that hardcore fundamentalism, either scientific, political, or religious can place a person outside a moral structure and lead him into the darkness. I think everyone has to guard against that, including Hedges, himself. Some of us who are agnostics or atheists can get pretty intolerant and can wallow in bitterness, anger and even paranoia. It is all too easy to fall over the edge into bigotry while we remain convinced that we have the highest motives.